Betis right-back Emerson will arrive at Barcelona with Spanish nationality

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Betis right-back Emerson will arrive at Barcelona with Spanish nationality

The Brazilian won't take a non-EU spot if he stay as Barça next season

All roads seem to be leading Emerson Royal to FC Barcelona. The Real Betis right-back is co-owned by Barça and they have an option to sign him outright this summer for €9 million. He will do pre-season with the Catalan club and the latest reports suggest he will form part of the first team next season.

SPORT have learned that Emerson, on Tuesday, took the oral expression and interaction part of the four-part test to obrain Spanish nationality.

Sources close to the Brazilian say they expect he will have Spanish nationality by next season and, therefore, would not occupy a non-EU spot on the squad.

Emerson, 22, is fast-tracking his request for nationality to be able to play for Barça next season as he prepares for the next stage of his career.

However, there are still some things to iron out. He does now want to be backup to Sergiño Dest and hopes that, if Ronald Koeman continues, they both start from an even ground in the summer.

If that's not the case, he has a number of clubs interested in him, such as Villarreal and AC Milan, although the most attractive options come from the Premier League.

Arsenal would perhaps be at the front of the queue in England, especially if right-back Hector Bellerin ends up signing for Paris Saint-Germain. Everton are also keen.

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